“The entry of a leading player in the international energy market into this sector demonstrates the increasing maturity of off-grid power and its role in serving the 600 million people in Africa that still lack access to electricity.”

Marubeni has global interests in energy and extensive experience in Africa, and has been investing in solar businesses for more than 20 years.

Yoshiaki Yokota, Maurbeni’s chief operating officer for the power business division, said: “We believe that Azuri’s unique business model will have a profound impact on the growing off-grid energy market in Africa.

“The global energy market is evolving rapidly, with the introduction of new renewable technologies and energy-efficient devices. We are delighted to be a strategic partner of Azuri as a market leader and see their solar home solutions and services as catalysts for change in the Africa energy sector and beyond.”

Students in sub-Saharan Africa study in the evening thanks to the solar-powered system of Azuri Technologies. (11728703)

Jamie Vollbracht, partner at IP Group, added: “As an early investor in Azuri, we are pleased with its growth to date, with over 150,000 systems sold, positively impacting off-grid households in Africa. Today we are delighted to welcome Marubeni to the business to help power the next exciting phase of growth for Azuri.”

Azuri has been providing affordable pay-as-you-go solar solutions in Africa since 2012, helping households to avoid the use of dangerous kerosene lamps and the need for lengthy trips to towns to charge phones. The lighting is known to have a positive impact on small businesses and helps young people study at home. Azuri has offices in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.